Toro Rosso debutant Pierre Gasly says he is uncertain what plans the team has beyond the next two Grands Prix, as he prepares to make his Formula 1 bow in Malaysia.
Gasly, 21, will replace Daniil Kvyat in the STR12 in Malaysia and Japan, after Red Bull opted to bench the struggling Russian driver, in order to evaluate Gasly.
Gasly is expected to fight for the Super Formula title at its Suzuka finale, which clashes with the United States Grand Prix, but the schedule has not yet been determined.
“At the moment I don’t know how many races I’m going to do in F1 – there is nothing confirmed,” said Gasly.
“The team told me to focus on this weekend and try to do my best.
“I have been competitive in lower series, I won the Eurocup in two-litres, I finished second behind Carlos [Sainz Jr.] in 3.5, I won GP2, and I’m in Japan this year, fighting for the championship with one race to go.
“I mean the pace will come, I think Formula 1 is new for me, it’s my first GP, but there is no real target.
“Of course I’m here to learn as quickly as possible and to perform with the team.
“At the moment I think I need to take each session at a time, learn as quickly as possible next to Carlos and then we will see where we are.”
Gasly also revealed he struggled to sleep earlier this week as he waited for confirmation that he would step into a race seat.
“I travelled from Tokyo on Monday to Malaysia, and when I got here I received a text saying that I might be driving this weekend,” he said.
“I got really excited about it. I tried to sleep on Monday night, which was a bit difficult, with all the excitement!
“On Tuesday morning I had the confirmation that I was going to drive. It was an amazing moment and great news.”
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